58 VERTEBRATA. REPTILIA. 



orifices of the body, intolerable fetor of breath, con- 

 vulsive hiccoughs, and death. These results, as we 

 have already observed, vary in degree in different 

 cases. If the wound be sucked at the instant, 

 the poison may be extracted without injury, as 

 was proved by Dr. Cloquet, the stomach being in 

 no way affected by its introduction ; but if it have 

 remained some time, the best remedies are olive oil 

 applied outwardly, and ammonia inwardly. 



The Cerastes (V. Cerastes) is a highly venomous 

 species found in Northern Africa, and often men- 

 tioned by the ancients. It is remarkable for the 

 presence of a small horn-like projection on each eye- 

 brow. Another much dreaded Serpent is the Cobra 

 de Capello, or Spectacled Snake (V. Naja) of the East 

 Indies, remarkable for the body being widened just 

 behind the head, where it bears a mark having some 

 resemblance to a pair of spectacles. Both these 

 species, but especially the latter, are notorious for 

 the power over them, and impunity from their bites, 

 possessed by certain individuals, the serpent charm- 

 ers of antiquity, and the jugglers of modern India. 

 Much, however, as has been said on this subject, 

 great as has been the scepticism manifested, and 

 rigid as has been the investigation of the circum- 

 stances, it may safely be asserted that, beyond the 

 bare facts, which cannot be controverted, we know 

 just nothing of the matter. 



